When I got the notice there would be a 45th reunion, I wasn't sure how many people might show up since there had been a 40th only yesterday it seemed. Then I got to thinking I could either work a couple of days or drive down to Normal and shoot the breeze with however many old friends might show up. And, of course, there was the added temptation of several visits to Steak n Shake.

Another factor in the back of my mind was if I didn't go to this one, I wouldn't see most of these people again until they were pushing 70. And some I might never see again for the same reason I never saw Wes English again after the last reunion.

Sure enough, the 45th reunion had a fairly light turnout. But a highlight for everyone, I'm sure, was the return of Jim Furrow, who was making his first trip to a reunion. I hadn't seen him in 45 years, and he came in cracking jokes as if he'd never been away. If you weren't there, you'll have to ask him why that pig had a wooden leg.

And, of course, Judy Franke was there. There wouldn't be a "there" without Franke. Bonnie Satterfield came up from Florida. We go back to kindergarten. In fact, we often walked to class together through the snow, uphill both ways. She did it barefoot, though.

I hope we're all still around for the 50th. And for those who missed the 45th, get cracking on that diet!

Bill Gardner,
Apple Valley, MN